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Topic: If you could have a LD "do over" would you? (Read 849 times) previous topic - next topic
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If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Are you happy with your Lazy Daze model choice? If you could have a "do over" would you have chose a different model? Or perhaps even a different RV?  If so, why or why not?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #1 –
We’re completely happy with our ‘06 TK. It’s all about the rear windows. The only thing we long for are the larger black and grey tanks in the newer TKs. Would allow longer boondocking. — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #2 –
We didn’t have another Lazy Daze option in the state, but if I could change one thing it would be a bigger bathroom for the wife. The rest? I’m pretty happy with. It was a lot of work, a lot of money, a lot of fun, and has already made a lot of memories.
1983 20'
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #3 –
When we shopped what was available used in '93, we were looking for a Rear Lounge, similar to a TK but with barrel chairs on one side. We instead found and put money down on an '83 FL, then checked out both models new at the Pomona RV show. Decided the interior feel of roominess and large bath and shower was what we preferred, so went back and bought the FL. In 2012, when a friend was selling their '04 FL, we switched to that one. Never regretted either choice.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #4 –
Ours was a showroom model.  It came with some options, like a manual sat. dish, that I would not have ordered.  It also lacks a house battery cut off switch that I would have ordered.  Other than that, our MB is what we wanted including the color.
2011 MB
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #5 –
The 31' TB was exactly what I wanted--with the barrel chairs & flip-up table instead of the dinette, & the upgrades her previous family made means she's even more perfect (I didn't know what I needed 'til I already had it--extra solar panel, standard-size tempurpedic twin mattresses, Direct TV sat...though I've not yet figured out the interface with the Direct TV equipment in the house).  I feel incredibly blest to have this rig & smile every time I think about her.   :D

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #6 –
When I was looking at used in 2006, it was hard enough to find any in the condition I wanted.
Took me a year to finally latch onto the one with the best heritage.
If I could have had my choice, I'd probably gone with the TK instead of the FL
I have. And since then have migrated over to the MB as the best choice for my lifestyle.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #7 –
I ordered my Midbath new.  Nine years later, fulltiming, the only thing I would change is the outside shower.  I haven't needed it.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #8 –
For us the midbath is perfect and the model we searched for. The only things I would have wished for was lower mileage. And I would have loved a green colored one. But blue was our second choice.
Lynn and Lori
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #9 –
"It's all about the rear windows. The only thing we long for are the larger black and grey tanks in the newer TKs. Would allow longer boondocking."
----
Ditto Jon's take on the 24' Twin King. If I ordered a new LD, it would be the same model choice for many of the same reasons that led me to the decision to get a TK 14 years ago. (There are a few 'features' and design decisions on the newer LDs that I don't care for, e.g., 'mottled tan' walls and the noisy converter, but, like the 'plus points', these are present in all models.) The larger black and grey tanks on the newer TKs are a huge improvement (even though I don't like the low-hanging termination valve set up!), the galley layout is more efficient, the plainer 'tweedy' upholstery is an upgrade, and the elimination of all carpeting except in the cab is a real plus. Some buyers are put off by the porta potti-sized bath in the TK, but unless one wants to hold a dance in there, the lav is fully functional! The TK (and the FD) has no weight issues and no rear overhang 'swing', is very maneuverable, drives and parks where a longer rig would have problems (if it fit at all), and the open flow floor plan and big windows provide great views!

YMMV; the TK works for me!  ;)

 
2003 TK has a new home
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #10 –
Even in my sleep, I dream of our LD. Sure I look at other RV’s but I don’t suffer from wanderlust of some SOB. My life is very pragmatic. Looking toward the end of the road and enjoying the journey there.

After 30 years, this journey took me to The Mothership. Some things just happen while others happen for a reason. It’s been said that “Good things come to those who wait”. My DW and I waited long enough. It was destiny that brought us to LD.

It was fate that lead us to factory when they had a RB in the showroom. The MB was beautiful. The RB was a wide open breath of fresh air for us. After waiting all those years we...https://youtu.be/x2GHXKYKKi4 spared no expense.

If I were to buy another LD, it would look just like the one we have now. “Practically perfect in every way”...Just like Mary. https://youtu.be/QXn3r5plloI

Wouldn’t change a thing.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #11 –
It's been 67 days since getting our 2005 26.5 IB. When I was researching LDs, really wanted the RB. Now that GLC is sitting pretty parked in the backyard, I'm happy as a clam. In fact, every time I glance out the backyard and see it's beautiful green retro line, I'm a kid again. Wifee is already complaining I'm making plans every weekend to take GLC out.  Next week Everglades RV park, week after is winter garden RV in Orlando, week after that is crystal isle RV....also enjoy reading all you hero members posts...
Iggy
2005 26.5 IB
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Are you happy with your Lazy Daze model choice? If you could have a "do over" would you have chose a different model? Or perhaps even a different RV?  If so, why or why not?

We have a long answer for these questions and a short answer.  My fingers and eyes opt for the short answer.

"Are you happy with your Lazy Daze model choice?"

Margee and I find that 27' is a nice length for two (2) of us.  We have elbow room when we need it.  So we'd stay with 27'.  The MB offers those wonderful windows on 3 sides which is where we hangout when we're not outside.  In addition, the open bathroom door allows for space separation and gives us 2 rooms, which we find helpful for all kinds of reasons.  So we'd not choose a different length or floor plan.

"If you could have a "do over" would you have chose a different model?"

We'd not choose a different model.

"Or perhaps even a different RV"

After a ridiculous amount of reading, talking and research, we settled on a Class C with the bed in the cabover.  Our first RV criteria first and foremost was the RV had to have a history of quality construction.  We didn't want slides or a diesel engine.  I wanted a RV that allowed me to do most of the routine preventive maintenance and maintenance.  And we had a budget.  So our search included the following  Class C's:  Lazy Daze, Big Foot, Coach House,  Born Free and Triple E.  LD was first on our list but the other four (4) were equal in my opinion.  At some point, we felt that if we couldn't find a LD, then with the clock ticking, we'd consider one of the four.  We would not want a different RV.   And that my Amigos is our LD story.
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #13 –
We're on our second Lazy Daze.   The first one was a 1994 26.5 MB.   We waited 8 months for delivery because the Mothership was making Bonanzas for shipping to Japan.    We had it for 11 years.   In Sept 2005 we listed it for sale on RVTrader.com at 6:30 one morning and at 6 pm we had a check for it.    A week later we ordered a 2006 26.5 rear bath.  Due to the build process at that time, we took delivery on December 21, 2005 - the last delivery day of the year.     Both rigs were/are  the brown color scheme traditional paint design which we found to be very 'forgiving'.    Hardly ever looks dirty, doesn't fade, etc.   
After having a camper, a Class A, and a 5th wheel we find the Lazy Daze superior in every way.    There is simply no comparison for road manners and handling.    The only possible change I can think of is the '94 had a stainless steel kitchen sink.    I'd love to have that again.     In a few days, our LD will celebrate its 12th birthday.  Hey!  Almost a teenager!
Juli
Juli W.
Former owner 1994 mid bath,  2006 26.5'rear bath
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #14 –
Lots of great responses! So far, it seems most are happy with their LD's and with their model choice. DW and I still keep going back and forth on the length and model choice we would like. It may come down to what's out there in good condition when the time to buy (used) comes. The only thing we are sure on is a 2008 or later, due to the chassis improvements.

So are there no dissenters out there or are you just keeping mum?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #15 –
"Are you happy with your Lazy Daze model choice? If you could have a "do over" would you have chose a different model? Or perhaps even a different RV?  If so, why or why not?"

We have a silver 2005 RB with a sofa and two chairs and commode table up front.  When we bought it, it was EXACTLY what we were looking for - color and floorplan.  It is a great floorplan - for us.  BUT - fast forward to now - physical problems are making it difficult to utilize the floorplan as desired, so now I am totally lusting for a 31-foot model where there would be two sleeping places on the ground floor.  I'm guessing this is not an uncommon situation.

The length is less than optimal, but since I'm not the driver, this is not a great concern . . . to me!  But the driver always hated driving our 40-footer, while doing a good job of it.  The stress factor was paramount.  Twenty-seven feet seems somehow less intimidating, but 31 feet is not looked upon with favor.

Having spent a great deal of time studying and investigating the newer Class B units, that seems to be a good solution . . . until one spends more than ten minutes inside of one.  We have a 1998 Sportsmobile Class B unit, which has served us well for 15 years, and we feel completely comfortable in it for extended time.  The other brands - Roadtrek and Pleasure-Way, specifically - have been my target for their extra amenities. 

But I was so surprised and disappointed to find that these smaller units are so tight that even someone with no "space issues" (me) was uncomfortable, and couldn't wait to exit!  Last week, we looked at three different Class B models - 2003, 2010, and 2013.  They were priced (asking) at $36K, $65K, and $69K at a dealer in Tucson.  The 2010 model was 22 feet long, the same as our original 1985 Lazy Daze TK.  What a huge difference in usability.  I was additionally appalled at the physical condition of the units.  Even with low mileage, they were not holding up well.  The inside of our Lazy Daze looks brand new.  The paint is fading a bit, but she is in covered storage, so it isn't too bad.

Clearly our beloved Dorrie Anne (LD) is the superior unit, but the retrieving of it from storage for use has become more than we can handle, so I was seeking a "carport solution".   We go to exercise her, etc., but actual travel trips are basically nil.  We drive her about 60 miles RT to a truck stop - have our picnic lunch, take naps, and then drive her back to storage.  Does that count as a road trip?  ;->

We keep hoping to get out on a trip, but the older we get, the more things go wrong in daily life to preclude spur-of-the-moment, or even well-planned, excursions.

So the moral of the story is:  Get out and do it while you can, no matter the preciseness of perfection.  Looking back, it was so easy to just hop in Gertie and go because she was curbside.  We have many fabulous memories from those days (90's).  After many years in two different Volkswagen campers, our Lazy Daze was like a luxury hotel, and we enjoyed every minute!

As for a different brand?  No way! 


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #16 –
Only change I would make is adding two solar panels. Adding one was an upgrade to a 2004 except for the 30 footer. We got one for our RK. Our 80 watt GoPower suitcase panel has expanded our options especially in that they can be pointed at the sun early and late and in the off season.

You learn as you get experience that the fancy bits aren’t all that important. RVing is about freedom so whatever expands your freedom becomes the focus. Thus, large holding tanks and solid electrical setup trump exterior shower (one of the dumber ideas in RVing in my mind), faux wood in the cab (have it, not necessary) and the like.

My take. Dave
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #17 –
Asked DW this question.   She ponder a few seconds then said nope.  I agreed. 

We went into the RV looking with eyes wide open.   I have a saying 'don't for in love with something that can't love you back'.    We took stock of what we wanted and what we would do with the RV.   We had to keep in mind neither of us is mechanical.    We can and do small repairs and mods but that's the full extant of our abilities.    Quality was number one.     Size number two - too small we'd be very unhappy too large can't park in our driveway.     We fell in love (see above) with the 24ft TK.   Those large back windows are the siren song that remove the lock on my wallet and checkbook. 
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #18 –
We have had three. We started years ago with a 94 T/K and loved it.
We eventually sold it because our boys were young and we weren't traveling as much as we wanted.
This summer, we purchased a 2002 MB after about a year of looking and it was a beautiful unit....the floor plan just did not work for our family. We have two boys (10 and 11) and we wanted the open feel of the RB and did not like the separate spaces of the MB as we spend all of our time together.
We have a 92 red and cream RB (new body style with 84,000 miles) and currently would not change anything! We have talked about a newer RB but we would be hard pressed to find a newer unit that is in better condition.
There are a lot that swear by newer units, but I would not be afraid to take ours anywhere (we have and will be taking a 3,000 mile trip after Christmas).
I would like the 450 chassis and V-10, but I really did not notice a considerable difference as long as the weight is watched.
Condition and care in the past is most important to us. Yes ours is older and will need routine maintenance, but from my experience and what I have read, newer units need quite a bit of maintenance as well so this should not be a concern if one is somewhat handy.
Maybe we are outside of the norm but we believe condition is everything. One can find any year but again, I have seen many much newer units that we would not come close to considering.
As Joan said, yes things change but for our family, we love our RB!
Just our thoughts, Paul and Jennifer   
1992 Lazy Daze 26.5 Rear Bath - Red and Cream
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #19 –
Out very first RV was an old, fairly rough '86 (I think) MB.  We wanted to see if we would enjoy the lifestyle.  Our son was a little tyke at the time.  We liked it enough that we decided to get a newer MB.  I found a low mileage 2003 MB in 2004.  We kept that a few years.  The only thing we didn't like was riding in the back going down the highway.

Later we switched to a 5th Wheel.  We really missed the ability to easily hop in the back for a quick bio break or bite to eat.  We got rid of the 5th wheel.

Next we decided to try a 24' Born Free rear bath.  I loved the quality and the way it drove.  Could take it about anywhere without a tow car.  But, interior storage was not so hot.  We made a big move and decided to sell it.

After settling in Illinois, we decided to get a nice older LD again.  We wanted the something like the Born Free in terms of layout.  We found a one owner 2003 RB.  I flew to Seattle area to pick it up and brought it back to Illinois.  We made some major trips in this unit.  Son slept in the overhead and we used the front lounges.  Converting the sofas to beds got old.

Lat year are son went off to college and I retired.  The wife is right behind me.  We thought about all of the rigs we've had and decided what we wanted at this point was a separate bedroom that could be made up all the time.  Last year I found a nice 2011 31TB.  We love it!  It feels soooo much bigger than the 27' MB and RB did.  We even like the barrel chairs!

To me, the 31 TB is like a downsized big rig.  Might be a problem in some parks but we usually do KOAs anyway.  I'm adding big foot levelers next week.  I wish it had a 5,000 lb hitch.  I love the electric step.  We really like having the nice private bedroom/bathroom area.

Before buying the 31 TB I looked at Phoenix Cruiser, Carriage House, Leasure Travel, Pleasureway, etc...  Finally my wife said... "let's just get the big LD.  I like the quality and simple design".  So as always, I did what she wanted. :)

NCCAMPGUY 
2011 31' TB
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #20 –
We plunked our deposit for the last 2013 31IB chassis  October 4, 2013 for a 'February' delivery.  I picked it up on the 87th day of February  ;)  (aka April 28).  We dropped the initial inclusion of Satellite dish & CB radio.  Neither are missed.
I did run an extension cord from the table around to just behind the pax seat to charge the IPad while lounging,  In retrospect, I'd have asked for a 120 outlet there.  I'd also ask for a higher GVWR,   ::) but that is beyond the LD scope.
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #21 –
We had a 2006MB and put 150k miles on it and loved every mile. It took us to Mexico several times, the Maritimes, Alaska and all over the lower US. We just purchased our 2016MB and it has already been to Alaska and will be heading east in the spring. Love it too.
Have RV, will travel anywhere!
2016 MB
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #22 –
Back in the mid-90s, we wanted a motorhome.
The Northridge Earthquake gave us the final push, after seeing our neighbor's sitting in their RV the morning go the quake, watching TV and having breakfast. The rest of us has no utilities for several days.
LDs interested us because a friend's parents had owned an early 80s T/K and I was alway impressed with its build quality and efficiency of design.

We went to the 1994 Pomona RV Show and spent the while day inspecting the various makes of RVs.
No one else came close to LD's quality of the build. Even hidden things were done neatly.

We first saw a 22' Front Lounge that belong to Steve and Nancy, at Morro Bay  and liked what we saw.
A few months later, after a lot of searching, we  bought a 1983 22' Front Lounge, which we keep for eight years.
We liked the floorpan so much that when the addition of the E450 was announced, the 2003 23.5' models, we jumped and ordered the second one LD sold, picking it up 15 years ago, this month.
Would I do it again? Sure, with expectation of eventually having to find a model with the bed downstairs, if and when we can't make the climb anymore.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #23 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Would I do it again? Sure, with expectation of eventually having to find a model with the bed downstairs, if and when we can't make the climb anymore.

Larry, have you considered sleeping on the sofa bed in your current rig when that time comes?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: If you could have a LD "do over" would you?
Reply #24 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Larry, have you considered sleeping on the sofa bed in your current rig when that time comes?
The sofa, even pulled out, is too small for the two us to sleep on, except in an emergency.
We don't want to sleep in separate beds, we have to keep each other warm at night ;-).
If the day comes when we can't cope with the overhead bunk anymore, we may be looking at an SOB, not being in love with the 31' models.
Whatever we own, we want a fixed bed.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze